Inflatable balloon catheter with purge mechanism and method

• US 20060004344A1
• Filed: 07/28/2005
• Published: 01/05/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/19/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Boris Shkolnik
• Inventors: Shkolnik, Boris
• Granted Patent: US 7,160,266 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/509
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/1077 having a system for expelling the air out of the balloon before inflation and use
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0053 having a variable stiffness along the longitudinal axis, e.g. by varying the pitch of the coil or braid
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/1025 Connections between catheter tubes and inflation tubes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/1027 Making of balloon catheters
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/1034 Joining of shaft and balloon
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/104 used for angioplasty

Abstract

An improved balloon catheter which includes a purge mechanism for purging air from the catheter prior to use. The purge mechanism is sized to allow air to pass through, but highly restricts the flow of liquids. Air remaining in the catheter after purging is allowed to diffuse through the balloon prior to use. The mechanism is especially useful with low-pressure, gas-permeable, compliant balloons.

Claims

1. A method of purging air from a balloon catheter which includes a tubular member having a tubular wall and proximal and distal ends;

an inflatable balloon having a main body portion and proximal and distal portions extending from said main body portion, said proximal and distal portions each being attached to the tubular member;

a syringe coupled to the tubular member for applying a liquid within a lumen of the tubular member, a purge aperture extending through the wall of the tubular member at a point proximal to the proximal portion of the inflatable balloon;

wherein the method includes the steps of;

placing the inflatable balloon within a protective tube to restrict the inflation of the balloon;

injecting liquid into the lumen of the tubular member thereby forcing air to be evacuated from the balloon catheter through the purge aperture;

removing the protective tube;

inflating the balloon;

allowing any air remaining within the balloon to diffuse through the inflated balloon; and

,

submerging the balloon in liquid while deflating the balloon to prevent air from re-entering the tubular member.

2. A method of purging air from a balloon catheter which includes a tubular member having a tubular wall and proximal and distal ends;

an inflatable balloon having a main body portion and proximal and distal portions extending from said main body portion, said proximal and distal portions each being attached to the tubular member;

a syringe coupled to the tubular member for applying a liquid within a lumen of the tubular member, a purge aperture extending through the wall of the tubular member at a point proximal to the proximal portion of the inflatable balloon;

wherein the method includes the steps of;

placing the inflatable balloon within a protective tube to restrict the inflation of the balloon;

injecting liquid into the lumen of the tubular member thereby forcing air to be evacuated from the balloon catheter through the purge aperture;

removing the protective tube;

inflating the balloon; and

,

allowing any air remaining within the balloon to diffuse through the inflated balloon.